Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Driver Safety in the Front Seat at Springmoor

On Monday, October 18th, Springmoor will host the AARP Driver Safety Class from 9:30am-3:00pm. Anyone is welcome to attend, all you need is a driver's license and AARP card, if you're a member. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non members, which includes course workbook and pizza lunch, sponsored by CapTel. Please contact Leah Willis at (919) 848-7075 for more information, or to sign up.

Cars have changed. So have the traffic rules, driving conditions, and the roads you travel every day. Some drivers age 50-plus have never looked back since they got their first driver's licenses, but even the most experienced benefit from brushing up on their driving skills.

What Will I Learn by Taking the Course?

You can expect to learn current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You'll learn adjustments to accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. You will learn the following:

•How to minimize the effects of dangerous blind spots
•How to maintain the proper following distance behind another car
•The safest ways to change lanes and make turns at busy intersections
•Proper use of safety belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, and new technologies used in cars
•Ways to monitor your own and others' driving skills and capabilities
•The effects of medications on driving
•The importance of eliminating distractions, such as eating, smoking, and cell-phone use

After completing the course, you will have a greater appreciation of driving challenges and of how you can avoid potential collisions and injuries to yourself and others.

What Else Do I Need to Know?

•The course is available in classroom and online settings.
•You may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course, so consult your agent for details.
•You may be eligible to receive a discount on roadside assistance plans.
•The AARP Driver Safety Program has helped millions of drivers stay safe on the roads since its inception in 1979.
•Although it is geared to drivers age 50 and older, the course is open to people of all ages.
•AARP membership is not required to take the course.
•There is no test to pass.